74 - JAPAN - 20th century

JAPAN - 20th century Black-lacquered Japanese armor (*tôsei gusoku*), decorated with green and white cords and featuring a multicolored lower border dominated by crimson (*kuro'urushinuri iroiro'ito kurenai'suso nimai'dô tôsei gusoku*). The set is perfectly matched and bears the crest (*mon*) consisting of three oak leaves within a circle (*maru ni chû kashiwa*). • Helmet (*kabuto*): Of the *suji'bachi kabuto* type (an eight-plate helmet with protruding ridges), it is topped by a metal frontal ornament (*maedate*) shaped like a *ken* (sword), bearing the inscription “Hachiman Daibosatsu ” (Great Bodhisattva Hachiman) executed in repoussé, and flanked by short *kuwagata* horns. At the top, it is fitted with a six-tiered chrysanthemum-shaped trim (*tehen no kanamono*) and a decorative knot (*agemaki*) made of gilded silk. The neck guard (*shikoro*) consists of three rows of plates (*itazane*) and features wide side flaps (*fukikaeshi*) curved backward, lined with smoked leather and adorned with decorative chrysanthemum-shaped plates. • Mask (*menpô*): *Ressei-bô* type (depicting an angry face), featuring a removable nose, a gray mustache, gold-lacquered teeth, and a throat guard (*yodarekake*) composed of four rows of blades (*kiritsuke iyozane*). • Shoulder guards (*sode*): *ô-sode* type (large shoulder guards), consisting of six rows of blades (*itazane*) and embellished with decorative cords and tassels made of gold-colored silk. • Armguards (*kote*): *Shino-kote* style, consisting of long vertical metal blades connected by chain mail (*kusari*), all mounted on a gold-embroidered silk backing. • Chest plate (*dô*): Of the *yokohagi okegawa-dô* type, adorned on the front and back with a large, gold-lacquered oak-leaf-shaped crest. It is complemented by a small decorative silk knot (*agemaki*). Hanging from the breastplate are six sections of *kusazuri* (protective panels) of the *kiritsuke iyozane* type, each consisting of five blades. • Thigh guards (*haidate*): consisting of four rows of twelve *iyozane*-style plates connected by laces, mounted on matching silk and edged with smoked leather. • *Suneate* (shin guards): *tsutsu*-style (tubular), featuring wide vertical metal plates secured with laces to unbleached silk, and complemented by green *tateage* (knee guards). The armor comes with a square, black-lacquered *yoroi'bako* (storage chest), equipped with handles for carrying and featuring dark red trim. The front and lid are adorned with an oak-leaf emblem made of gold lacquer. Height including the chest: approximately 160 cm (Signs of wear, restorations, etc.)